"Let's move. We shouldn't linger here," Dustin said. He took the lead, stepping onto the slippery and dilapidated path with steady strides.However, Grace could sense that the energy waves surrounding him had become even more restrained than before. It was as if he were accumulating strength to face whatever unknown challenges lay ahead.The group followed in silence, the atmosphere thick and suffocating. Rhydian and the other two guards gripped their weapons tightly. Their eyes scanned the churning crimson lake, alert for anything that might surge from the depths.Judith supported Cyprian, whose condition was worsening by the minute. The corrosive effects of the dragon blood malevolent energy were causing his remaining vital energy to drain away. His eyes were beginning to lose focus.As they ventured deeper, the surrounding scenery began to change in disturbing ways. The once clearly demarcated boundary between the deep blue lake waters and the corrupted crimson zone started to

After passing through the dead zone, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. At the end of the path lay an enormous circular platform constructed from white stone.The platform floated above the waters of the Vitalis Pool. It was surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, with spiritual energy condensing in the air like rain. At its center was a spring no more than ten feet wide. What flowed from this spring was not ordinary lake water, but concentrated spiritual liquid so rich it couldn't dissolve and shimmered with seven-colored radiance. It turned out this was the source of the pure vitality and spiritual energy.The moment they crossed through the Chaos Realm and stepped onto the platform, the pure spiritual energy brought no relief. Instead, a pressure heavier and more terrifying than Thymaleon's, or the chaotic laws themselves, pressed down on them like a mountain.At the center of the platform, the spring still shimmered with seven-colored spiritual liquid. Above it, the se

The longsword planted before Dustin hummed incessantly as he formed hand seals. His movements were so fast they blurred into afterimages.The mystical pure energy around him, which had dimmed during the fierce battle, didn't falter. Instead, it now roared to life with even greater depth and restraint, resonating with the fundamental laws of creation itself.Dustin no longer relied on his own internal energy but had become one with the cosmic order."By the Celestial Host Judgement, I command you! Mystical Seal, lock away this evil!"His voice rang low but commanding, each word carrying the weight of divine decree. As the final word left his lips, the longsword planted in the ground erupted with dazzling cyan radiance that shot straight into the sky.Ghostly outlines of the Celestial Host began to shimmer in the void above the platform, which had long been cloaked in the spiritual mist of Vitalis Pool and the malevolent energy of the sealing rift.The vast, ancient, and majestic s

"Demons masquerading as immortals." Dustin's declaration landed like a thunderclap in the opulent yet eerie halls of Elysium Immortal Palace.The moment those words fell, the temperature in the entire hall seemed to plummet to freezing. Even the spiritual energy rising from the wine pool solidified for an instant.The men and women indulging in pleasures fell silent as if an invisible hand had clamped their throats. They shrank back in terror, not daring to breathe too loudly.Lysander's fingers froze on the strings of his lap harp, while Valindra's seductive smile vanished, replaced by a mask of cold disdain. Even Malthor, who had been languid and indifferent, finally showed a flicker of distinct anger in his deep-set eyes. The struggles of mere ants might amuse him, but their scorn and defiance were an affront to his authority."Insolent fools!" Talmor snapped first, throwing his wine glass to the ground. It shattered instantly, sending wine splashing everywhere. He sprang

Malthor didn't strike immediately at Dustin's provocation. However, the look in his eyes was a final verdict, as a death sentence had been passed on Dustin."Impressive. Very impressive," Lysander said, drawing out the words.His voice remained soft and alluring, yet laced with venom cold as ice. He gently set down his cup and rose to his feet, smoothing out his pink-purple robe with elegant movements, like a performer about to step onto the stage."The fact that you managed to injure Talmor so badly shows your swordsmanship is worthy of praise. Shame you had to cross paths with me—Lysander," he introduced himself. The instant his words fell, the water vapor throughout the entire palace suddenly grew dense.The spiritual liquid in the wine pool rippled without any wind. Fine droplets of water condensed on the surface of the luminous pearls embedded in the walls. Even the dense spiritual energy in the air turned moist.Lysander seemed to have become the sovereign of all water ele